Ryan Dignan

Ryan is a percussionist with a long history of musical collaborations starting at the University of Idaho where he earned a B.A. in music composition in 1997. He then attended the University of New Hampshire where he completed his Masters in Composition in 1999. Ryan taught private lessons and music classes in private schools in Seattle for a few years before completing his teaching certificate. He is currently the band director at Sandpoint Middle School and Clark Fork Jr/Sr High School. He has played in rock bands, country bands, swing bands, Irish groups, blues groups, jazz quartets and orchestras. At fiddle camp Ryan teaches a combination of performance art and percussion, much like STOMP and the Blue Man Group. He composes pieces for each individual group of students he works with. He has a gift for working with kids (perhaps because he has 6 of his own).

Ryan and his whole family are a staple of Fiddleworks on Salt Spring Island. Where would we be without them?!

Ryan's 2017 classes (percussion)

Bollywood (with Merrie Klazek)Come and explore the basic rhythms and melody modules that characterize the magic of Hindi Bollywood music. We'll create a medley that includes Banghra and other dance grooves, as well as the ethereal modal scale with 1/4 tones that transports us to India, in all it's brilliant colours and imagination. Open to percussionists & all instruments, except bagpipes.

Class Time: 11:00

Intermediate +Jam Band (percussion & all accompanying instruments)Spontaneously create a rocking’ good band by including whoever shows up to a jam! We'll find our groove, plunge into improvisational zones, and stretch our ears into the far corners of the musical galaxy!

(This class also has a fiddle/melody instrument component and will be taught in combination with Adrian Dolan & Marc Atkinson).

Class Time: 1:30

Cirque de Stowel Lake (with Owen Newson) All Ages, Levels, InstrumentsJoin our motley troupe of joy makers with music, movement and costume. Our goal is to provide an visual and musical feast of the senses mixing horn moves, hippie dancing, hula hooping, drumming, and, of course a tune or two. Will be taking suggestions for other ideas as well. Fun and Joy will abound. Think New Orleans parade band meets circus troupe.

Personnel needed:Will need 8 folks to hold down the groove with drums (provided). Experience not necessary, but will need to be able to hold down a basic groove. Bass player (or Tuba) would be great. Up to 3 guitars. Melody instruments like violin, any wind instrument, mandolin, pennywhistle, etc. can be unlimited. Experience reading music a plus for this group.

A second group of talented folks is also needed, committed to dance moves, hula hooping, baton twirling, umbrella choreography or any other visual expression of the joy of being human (fire eating ruled out for insurance reasons). We will provide some kazoos, hand held percussion and some streamers. Costumes encouraged.

All ages welcome, definitely seeking folks with some musical experience and anyone who is willing to move and groove.

Check out this link of March Fourth which really captures the spirit of what we are looking for.